FAST food chain McDonald’s has said it is to create 20 new jobs at its Guildford restaurants for the long-term unemployed.

The burger business has launched a nationwide scheme with Job Centres that involves on-site trials for prospective new workers.

McDonald’s says this gives candidates the chance to show their qualities “on-the-job” rather than being judged on their CV or interview.

James Kirkpatrick is the franchisee of McDonald’s branch in Guildford High Street.

He said: “Our approach to recruitment has long been about qualities, not qualifications and our training provides a balance between on-the-job skills development as well as nationally recognised GCSE and A-level qualifications.

“We employ people, not CVs, and we help them be the best they want to be by providing a broad range of opportunities.”

Research by Leeds Metropolitan University has shown that McDonald’s has made a significant contribution to enhancing social mobility.

According to the study, 98% of its business managers in the South East start out as crew members.

Mark Rudd, a senior researcher at Leeds Metropolitan University, said: “Giving people the chance to learn practical business skills which can be sold to other employers is possibly the most important factor in social mobility, especially when it is offered to those who might not otherwise have had the chance.”

The study also found that 40% of McDonald’s workers left the company with better qualifications than when they started and 96% thought they had learned useful skills.

Mr Kirkpatrick added: “I’m encouraged by the research findings because every day I see employees in my restaurants taking advantage of what’s on offer to them with both hands.

“It can change their lives significantly and that’s brilliant to see, whether they stay at McDonald’s or take their skills to a wider workforce.”

Just one in 10 workers sees McDonald’s as a long-term career when they start there, but this rises to 79% after a short time in the company, the research suggests.

Dan Brooks, 28, is now an area manager having started as crew member while at college and continuing during his spell at university.

“After graduating I decided that the career prospects at McDonald’s where considerably better than starting elsewhere,” he said.

“In fact, years on as an area manager, I now feel I could apply for any regional management position.

“I got some stick for working here at first, but now I’m earning three times as much as my friends in other jobs.”